Karma Automotive To Source Parts From BMW

Karma Automotive - the company formerly known as Fisker - announced a new partnership with BMW this week. The partnership will see BMW proving Karma with powertrain components moving forward.

Now the full extent of the deal is unknown. But according to the statement released by Karma this week, the deal will include "high voltage battery charging systems and a wide range of hybrid and EV systems."

"The Wanxiang Group is giving Karma Automotive the opportunity to bring a stunning car back to the market, and the partnership with BMW and their outstanding track record is a great fit for the future," said Tom Corcoran, Karma Automotive's CEO.

Karma Automotive is planning to restart production sometime next year.

Source: Karma Automotive

Press Release is on Page 2

Karma Automotive Signs Supply Agreement With BMW

COSTA MESA, Calif., Nov. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Karma Automotive announced today that BMW has agreed to be a supplier in ensuring their vehicles are built with the highest quality automotive parts. BMW will supply Karma Automotive with their latest powertrain components, including high voltage battery charging systems and a wide range of hybrid and EV systems.

Throughout automotive history, BMW has been globally recognized for engineering and manufacturing world-class products. They are a proven technology leader and renowned for conceiving and delivering groundbreaking innovations.

Karma Automotive will integrate the first BMW components into its plug-in hybrid flagship vehicle, which will re-launch in 2016. The next generation of vehicles already in development will utilize more of BMW's powertrain technology.

"The Wanxiang Group is giving Karma Automotive the opportunity to bring a stunning car back to the market, and the partnership with BMW and their outstanding track record is a great fit for the future," said Karma's CEO Tom Corcoran. "We will continue to develop beautiful cars with the latest cutting edge hybrid and EV technology."

Co-founder Bernhard Koehler said; "I'm personally excited and incredibly proud we will be integrating the sophistication, integrity and character of the BMW powertrain into our own. Karma Automotive products and ultimately our customers will be the greatest benefactors of this fantastic relationship."

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Koba did admit there is a possibility for a more powerful version of the C-HR, but quickly added there aren't plans for this at the moment.
Source: Car and Driver

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As for the hybrid, Koba said the decision comes down to the market, not engineering. At the moment, Toyota doesn't see the demand for this model in the U.S.
Koba did admit there is a possibility for a more powerful version of the C-HR, but quickly added there aren't plans for this at the moment.
Source: Car and Driver

BMW Group U.S. Reports November 2016 Sales
BMW brand sales decrease 18.2 percent
MINI brand sales increase 1.4 percent
Woodcliff Lake, NJ – December 1, 2016… Sales of BMW brand vehicles decreased 18.2 percent in November for a total of 26,189 compared to 32,003 vehicles sold in November, 2015. Year-to-date, the BMW brand is down 10.0 percent in the U.S. on sales of 280,339 vehicles compared to 311,398 sold in the first eleven months of 2015.

Notable vehicle sales in November include the BMW 7 Series which increased 18.0 percent to 1,233 cars, the BMW X1 which increased 53.2 percent to 2,745 vehicles, and the BMW X5 which increased 18.4 percent to 4,693 vehicles.

“Only a month remains in this year and we are beginning to bid farewell to the current generation 5 Series and getting ready to welcome the all-new BMW 5 Series which will make its world debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January,” said Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO, BMW of North America. “The dynamic driving character of the new 5 Series will be a complement to our 7 Series and make for a stronger model lineup heading into 2017.”

BMW Group Sales
In total, the BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported November sales of 30,696 vehicles, a decrease of 15.8 percent from the 36,447 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, BMW Group sales are down 10.2 percent on sales of 327,711 vehicles in the first eleven months of 2016 compared to 364,903 in the same period in 2015.

MINI Brand Sales
For November, MINI USA reported 4,507 automobiles sold, an increase of 1.4 percent from the 4,444 sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, MINI USA reported a total of 47,372 automobiles sold, a decrease of 11.5 percent from 53,505 automobiles sold in the first eleven months of 2015.

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Diamler is wanting to lead the European charge with their 300+ kilometer EV-CUV

This would seem to show that Tesla has had the desired effect of making a market changing revolution of how companies and governments see the future of transportation.
Source PM

BMW Group U.S. Reports October 2016 Sales
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“The volatility of the U.S. market is more clearly evident as the pace of sales continues slowing from the peak of 2015,” said Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO, BMW of North America. “At the same time, BMW Sports Activity Vehicles – X1 to X6 - have set a new record, more than 100,000 sold year to date, accounting for 47% of our October sales, with room for more growth as demand for these popular models continues to increase.”

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